The Junction or heart of West Seattle is a peninsula directly west of downtown. On a clean, friendly neighborhood street, West Seattle is ideal for experiencing the unique color and flavor of West Seattle. “The Junction” where old streetcar lines once crossed, is packed with restaurants and small specialty stores.

Built atop a hill, even the shopping area has views of Puget Sound and The Olympic mountains.

A fabulous Farmer's Market comes to The Junction every summer on Sundays.  The Junction has a handsome theater and art gallery, where you will find award-winning live theater, music, comedy, and cabaret, plus a quality art gallery, classes, and workshops. There are many events in “The Junction”, such as The West Seattle Art Walk which occurs the second Thursday of every month. Enjoy a glass of free champagne during your stroll.

Driving 5 minutes north along the main street,  you will arrive in The Admiral District. Here you can see second-run movies at The Admiral Theater, an old neighborhood spot with 2 large screens and discounted flicks. This area has an abundance of unique eating choices, pubs and shops.

Five minutes southwest is fabulous Lincoln Park: 135 acres with scenic wooded hiking trails above the long stretch of shore. The beach is available for combing, picnicking, water play, incredible sunsets, etc. Colman pool, a heated saltwater swimming pool is here next to the water too- a pool with a view!

Near Lincoln Park is the ferry terminal to Vashon Island. Only a 20 minute crossing to this lovely little island, where you are welcome to explore its sandy beaches, woodsy trails,  galleries, and quaint restaurants. Vashon is not over-run by tourists and day-trippers.

Northwest is Alki Beach, noted historically as the landing place of the pioneers.

This long stretch of sandy beach has an extensive variety of great restaurants and unparallelled views of Seattle (see above), Elliot Bay, and the islands of Puget Sound. There are designated fire pits available on a first come, first serve basis. SCUBA, rollerblading, cycling, volleyball, and bicycling are popular.

A few minutes east is the Delridge area. This valley with a ridge extends along the length of the peninsula. In the valley is beautiful Longfellow Creek, lovingly restored to biological health. There's a well-signed trail that runs 4 miles,  starting in Roxbury Park.  Parts of the trail pass through forested areas, while others are just marked parts of city streets. The north end of the trail begins at the Dragonfly Pavilion. The ridge has great territorial views of the Duwamish River, and the Cascade Mountains. At one end of the Longfellow creek, across from Roxbury Park is Westwood Shopping Center. Here you will find Barnes & Noble,  Bed, Bath & Beyond, Pier One Imports, Target, and many more stores, groceries and cafes.

At the other end of the creek is the 18 hole, championship West Seattle Golf Course. This highly rated course is 5 minutes from the house.

With so many choices, it is easy to see why West Seattlites prefer to stay on their peninsula!

Sweet Orange vacation rental is in the heart of West Seattle, near the Junction. This turn of the century fully furnished Craftsman home is available for your next visit. Walking distance to stores and restaurants, convenient to downtown, airport and bus lines, you will enjoy your home away from home! At Sweet Orange we offer a personal experience to stay in a wonderful home, in a clean, beautiful neighborhood.  Two separate units are available or you can rent the entire house.

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note: jogger pic courtesy of photographer tim thompson and visitseattle.org